THANK YOU ALL so much who COMMENTED and or EMAILED me with IDEAS, about MY FUTURE and what you would like to SEE HERE ON MY BLOG!
YOU ALL MADE ME SMILE………..
I need to smile MORE so I THANK YOU!
I have been in THE GARDEN pruning but THE RAIN has not allowed me to finish………..NOT COMPLAINING just saying…………..
I start to panic if it is not done by FEBRUARY.I still have time…….I just dislike pruning off THAT new growth!
BUT I DO!
WE have a few oak trees that surround us.
That DEAD branch above my head reminds me of a LIGHTENING STREAK!
THAT is THE KITCHEN.
Should I plant that URN or LEAVE IT BE?
I know the answer but am curious as to what YOU would DO!
YOGA THEODORE
SOUND ASLEEP.
He spends MOST nights OUT on the prowl then ends up sleeping by DAY!
PLEASE MOM NO LIGHT!
CATHERINE, he LOVES your CASHMERE !
YOU MY LOVELY READERS MAY ENJOY TOO!
IT COMES FROM ENGLAND!
SO I named this POST ITALIAN SECRETS……..as I wanted to share some of the HINTS THE ITALIAN has passed on to me over the last 32 years.
ONE.
ALWAYS put ROCK SALT in your pasta water when you boil it!Not one tablespoon or TWO a palm amount.
You can taste the pasta while it cooks and add MORE if need be.You cannot take the salt away so start with the palm covered and go from there.
I will show you a photo or TWO!
YES!
JUST TRUST ME!
TWO.
HAVE EVERY ONE AT THE TABLE when YOU serve the pasta!Pasta isNOT meant to be served lukewarm or cold!I never ate a PASTA SALAD whilst I lived in ITALY!
THREE.
Dress the pasta with olive oil or BUTTER.Before you apply the sauce.The right words are not forming but certain sauces will take Butter and others Olive oil.I do not know how to tell you which will take which, but PESTO takes Olive Oil.RAGU takes BUTTER.
FOUR.
NEVER PUT CHEESE ON FISH PASTA!
NEVER!!!
THAT IS A NO NO.
FIVE.
In ITALY if the cook wants the PARMESAN on the pasta he will offer otherwise,it is considered RUDE to add PARMESAN cheese to your PASTA!The CHEESE has a strong FLAVOR what you are doing in fact is covering up the taste of the PASTA SAUCE!
SIX.
NEVER GO OUTSIDE WITH WET HAIR!Italian fact you will get a COLD.
!!!Alternative Fact?!!!
SEVEN.
NO CAPPUCCINO’s after 11 AM!Milk is for morning use only!
(I do not follow this rule because my TUMMY needs the MILK!)
EIGHT.
NO BREAD WITH PASTA!
EVER!
Theory here…….bread is a filler.DO not eat bread with PASTA or you will not be able to finish your Second course if you load up on BREAD!That is a waste of FOOD and the CHEFS TIME!Bread is to be offered if you cooked for 4 and two more show up to FEAST!!!
WE AMERICANS TEND TO FILL UP ON BREAD.
DON’T WE?
Speaking of BREAD.
NINE.
ITALIANS doNOT Butter Bread!
It is used to clean the plate at the end of a MEAL.
Any left over juices swimming around in the plate will get a GOOD SWIPE with a small piece of BREAD!
TEN.
OLIVE OIL and VINEGAR on the table with the BREAD for dipping.
THAT’S A NEGATIVE TOO!
I think that is ENOUGH TIPS for TODAY!
I might turn YOU ALL INTO ITALIANS!
THEN THE WORLD WOULD BE A HAPPY PLACE!
NOT a BAD IDEA!
Let me share a story about traveling with my two small SONS.I was headed to ITALY without THE ITALIAN.I think we had two seats for three of us because NICHOLAS was small…….well,he was over 10 pounds at BIRTH so NEVER SMALL!
I had TWO LADIES from SAN FRANCISCO sitting in front of us.They both LOOKED AT EACH OTHER AND ROLLED THEIR EYES.
AS if this would be a HORRENDOUS TRIP!
Two small kids.
Of course that made me even MORE NERVOUS!
SINGLE PARENT
13 hour flight.
You get my DRIFT!
Then on the RETURN FLIGHT out of ROME!
I had TWO ROMAN BUSINESS MEN in SUITS.
ARGUING over who would HOLD THE BABY!!!!
They couldn’t have been MORE GRACIOUS and HELPFUL to a MOM traveling SOLO!
On that TRIP I realized what AMERICA was missing!
THAT was a LONG TIME AGO.
WE were TOO BUSY .
WE as a society had forgotten the MOST important things
IN LIFE.
Children & Aging Parents.
But lets save that TOPIC for another DAY!
VALENTINES DAY
is upon us….
WILL YOU WEAR RED?
This is our garage.
YES,
HIS PRESENTATION Is ALWAYS THE BEST!!
This is where I park my CAR and he has a string with a DOG DONUT hanging so I do not BUMP HIS CABINETS!
On our ANNIVERSARY last year this is what I DROVE INTO.
I didNOT have TO TEACH HIM this trade of ROMANCE.
HE was BORN with it!
I know HE is RARE.
VERY RARE this ITALIAN who MY MOTHER PICKED FOR ME!
To those of you with young SONS………
TEACH THEM THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE!
IT IS A WONDERFUL LIFE
when thought and CARE go into a GIFT of LOVE.
I can honestly say it is
MAGICAL!
XOXO
PS.MY SONS enjoyed the 13 hour airplane trip without a SHOUT or BOO HOO!
SO, my guess is those TWO WOMEN did TOO!!!!!
elizabeth@pineconesandacornsblog says
Hello beautiful Elizabeth!
I hope that you are having a wonderful week pondering your next path in life. I personally think as do many that a book and definitely a tv show. You could have your own UTube channel! Your style, fashion, stories, tips and more would be excellent topics to cover. You could also introduce us to your finds, such as interesting people, jewelry, etc. I would be the first to watch! No matter the high voice, if you are your own producer that does not matter.
The SALT in the pasta was the BEST TIP ever!!! I have done it every time I have made pasta since you told me and I cannot believe that I lived all of these years without doing it!
Love the rest of your tips! Although I never have to worry about coffee, never drink it, never have, nor any fish so I will not make the mistake about the fish and the cheese.
Have a wonderful day!
LA CONTESSA says
SO, HAPPY YOU LISTENED TO ME!!!!!!!!NOT ALL PEOPE DO!ESPECIALLY FAMILY MEMBERS………..I too am OFF COFFEE at the moment!Drinking TEA.
FISH!I did not grow up liking FISH…………..but have come around.The ITALIAN he loves FISH and the best place to BUY here is COSTCO!Try some SALMON fillets……….the BAREFOOT CONTESSA has a terrific recipe with breadcrumbs and lemon zest…….and parsley ITALIAN of course who can eat the AMERICAN KIND?!!!YOU stove top first then put in the OVEN………..BELIEVE ME it is GREAT.YOU adhere the condiments with MUSTARD!GOOGLE her SALMON RECIPE with bread crumbs they are small pieces……………of FISH!Serve a rice next to it!JUST TRY!!!!!!XX
Bess says
My hubby won’t like it, but no more cheese on shrimp scampi with pasta! Enjoyed hearing about your sweet Italian.
LA CONTESSA says
GOOD LUCK BESS!!!!!!!!!!!!
TELL him you are thinking about his waistLINE!
XX
Lynda Stansberry says
Enjoyed your tips on how Italians like pasta, bread, etc. You learn something new everyday.
The “new” consignment store in Lafayette is definitely not the same—miss your place there.
LA CONTESSA says
I have NOT gone in……………TOO SAD for me!
THANK YOU!!!
XX
Stella says
I think we should clone The Italian. He sounds so very sweet and caring. And, such a good cook. You have created such a charming nest for you and all your family members, even those with more than two legs. It’s funny, but when I see pictures of your home, I always want to be able to zoom around the rest of the rooms. I think we need to have a little video fest starring La Contessa!
LA CONTESSA says
MY HOUSE IS SMALL……………THE BEST ROOM TO HANG IN is the KITCHEN!
I have a rolling rod in my bedroom that SHOULD NOT BE THERE and the BOYS ROOM has piles of MY MOTHER”s STUFF I am S L O W L Y finding homes for……………NOT READY FOR THAT SHOW!MY Office ~STUDIO is MY COCOON and would NOT photograph well……..
I can COME UP with every EXCUSE in THE BOOK not to SHOW and TELL!!!!!!!!!
The BEST would be to see with YOUR own EYES!
XX
DaniBP says
Love this post as usual! I have seriously absorbed all of The Italian’s tips about food, he is right of course. All of it just makes perfect sense.
We’re going to Italy at the end of April, with our best friends (8 of us), to celebrate my dear friend Laura’s 50th birthday: she’s Italian!
We are staying near Lucca and then headed to the Italian Riviera, I’m so excited, I’ve already packed my suitcase.
Not surprised about the women on the plane, I had similar experiences travelling solo with my two babies on long flights, I think if only women could support other women we’d all be better off. Why all the hang-ups between women? I don’t get it.
Thanks Contessa love your blog so much, you’ve brightened a cold grey day here in Canada for me. XX
LA CONTESSA says
COLD and GREY here as well……………LOADS of RAIN coming TODAY!
GOOD thing we have trips and the COMPUTER TO Think about and STARE AT!!!
PACKED ALREADY!!!!!!!FANTASTIC!
LUCCA is a BEAUTIFUL WALLED CITY……………are you staying in an old FARMHOUSE by chance?I will need photos upon your return!!!!!!AS FOR THE ITALIAN RIVIERA……….I was there on my HONEYMOON on a SAILBOAT!IN Portofino, there is a house on a CLIFF……that is owned by DOLCE & GABBANA.There is a spot to dine that one needs a BOAT to get TOO as that is the only access……….in this SPOT underwater is a STATUE of a SCUBA DIVER as it was one of the first places where they tried that sport out.I am certain your ITALIAN friend will know or can find out…………..on a clear day you can see the STATUE by looking DOWN!I know you will ENJOY IT ALL………………..have you seen that movie where the BRITISH ladies rent a house?I cannot think of the name its an old movie…….BUT GRAND!You may enjoy that on a cold GREY DAY!!!!XX
Eva says
Love reading your posts, you are amazing!Suoni Italiane come un sogno .bravo!!!
LA CONTESSA says
EVA………….MOLTO GENTILE!!!!MOLTO
THANK YOU for being HERE!
UN BACIO!
XX
Tama says
Ooooh a palm full of rock salt .. I will try this .
I say plant the urn but do it quietly as to not wake Theodore.
I LOVE the men in Rome helping to hold the baby…. but isn’t that European or Italian. To naturally lend a hand…going family style.
Those roses ….lovely …?you’ve created a beautiful life
Thanks for the peek in to it ????
LA CONTESSA says
MORE ITALIAN than EUROPEAN but it DEPENDS ON THE MAN!I cannot see a FRENCHMAN offering………..ASK COCO!!!!!!!
I think I have you are RIGHT!I have worked with what I have and made it into my own little THEATRE of LIFE!IT works for me……………I am GRATEFUL.
If we could GET THAT PIGGY BANKSY over here full time ALL would be SWELL!
You have been INVITED more THAN once……………..I MEAN IT!
NEXT SHOW plan on spending a night or two with ME!
XX
PS. It didNOT rain LAST SUNDAY!!!!!!!!!!
Karen Persson says
As always I loved your story… and the tips about Italian cooking and coffee! I love Italian food.. I can eat piles of pasta but you can keep the pizzas. I love espresso and also Italian men. Btw, does the ITALIAN have a single brother? Or do you know of any other available Italian or romantic men for me? I’m single at the moment. 🙂
As for your trip to the Italy with the little boys, I can imagine that being really tough as mom traveling solo! Funny about the Roman businessmen fighting over holding the baby.
I sent your last blog entry to a gay friend of mine (with amazing taste) in Georgia and he said you’re such a HOOT!
You’re so funny and inspiring!
Love,
Karenxoxox
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU for sharing ME!
GEORGIA is on MY LIST TO SEE!
NO BROTHERS……………..SORRY.BUT YOU SHOULD have NO PROBLEM finding a MAN!
THANK YOU for the drawing……………
LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU!!!!
XX
Karen Persson says
Oh, yes, I’ve shared you with more stylish and creative friends!
Oh shucks…. Your ITALIAN doesn’t have any brothers? I did see a very handsome man today who I had a little chat with at the Nespresso boutique. He had just bought an expensive suit. Hmmm… I’ll try to find him again!
Can’t wait to meet you and hand deliver your portrait!
xoxo
Caroline says
Always thrilled when there’s a fresh post from you. Just loved all the Italian bylaws, some I knew and some I didn’t. Such warm people with an amazing culture and a breathtaking history. If I wasn’t living in the sub tropics here in Australia, you’d find me in the hills of Tuscany. What a blessed life you lead – and what I admire is that you count your blessings and take none of it for granted. Can’t wait for the next instalment of Italian dos and don’ts! Always appreciate your generosity in allowing us all a little peak into your world. Ciao Bella
Jacqueline says
I like urns empty and planted …. succulents that hang over the edge look good too … if you can wait Elizabeth, you will get some wonderful ideas at Chelsea !!
I always put lots of rock salt in my pasta water and, I use some of the starchy water to loosen the sauce too { hark at me …. like teaching my grandmother to suck eggs !! { I hope you know that expression !! }}You know far more about it than me being married to an Italian !!! XXXX
LA CONTESSA says
NO I DONOT KNOW THAT EXPRESSION……………..BUT I THINK I GET THE IDEA!
I was going to leave THE URN EMPTY………as we have a drought and I will be away in MAY and some one may forget to WATER!The position of the URN gets LOADS of SUN………so a large plant like a fern wouldn’t SURVIVE.
YOU ARE RIGHT……….CHELSEA may solve THE DILEMMA.
XXX
Charlotte Des Fleurs says
Hello Contessa, here is another question for the Italian. Are you or is he familiar with the brand of ranges (or cookers as they call them in the UK) called Fratelli Onofrio? I heard that they were (or are) made in Italy and painted at the Ferrari plant using Ferrari colors. Absolutely love the ovens and the price is fab. We saw one in a showroom down here in Southern California about 4 years ago but have not been able to find any since.
Any ideas?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Large-Appliances/Fratelli-Onofri-IM19250SY-Imperial-Cooker-Sunflower-Yellow/B004R1PSRS
Smiles from Charlotte
LA CONTESSA says
THose are a TAKE on the BRITISH AGA……………
These were made way after the ITALIAN left ITALY!I really DOUBT they are TRANSPORTED to the FERRARI FACTORY just to be painted a TAD HEAVY!………..But the PAINT could be the same…………..SORRY NO HELP HERE.Contact a DECORATOR in L.A.thats your best bet I would imagine.
XX
Charlotte Des Fleurs says
Actually, I heard that the Fratelli Onofrio ranges were made near the Ferrari factory. However, they would not need to transport all the heavy stuff, just the panels to be painted. Yes, they DO look like an AGA but without the heat being on all day (a no-no here in southern California). Thanks, I will ask an LA Designer. But, boo-hoo, I was hoping the Italian might still have connections!
Debbie says
Lovely! Lovely! You make me SMILE! And We all need to have more smiles these days (((-: I will use your Italian tips! I LOVE pasta!
I am hoping to move back to Northern California in a couple of years. California is so progressive and CARING! We had at least four to five feet of snow here in Bend, Oregon this year and it stayed for two months! I will love being back where you can enjoy the garden year round. It looks like you live in Layfayette……a gardeners paradise because you do have some very cold days in winter so you can grow peonies as well as roses….which I dearly miss. BTW I would definitely plant that beautiful urn in front of your kitchen!
My black cat, Mr Goldberg, got a nice brushing this morning and now is under the sofa where the heating vent keeps him warm….only one paw is sticking out …… Cats do know how to be comfortable.
Hugs.
LA CONTESSA says
I was in BEND, OREGON Once!I was 16 on my way to THE WORLDS FAIR in SPOKANE, WASHINGTON!WE preformed there at a school………
I do not live in LAFAYETTE BUT CLOSE!MY SHOP was in LAFAYETTE for 12 years…….behind the ROUND UP SALOON!
I do grow PEONY!!!!!!Every year I think I need to plant MORE!
CATS ARE THE BEST………..we should ALL be so LUCKY to own one and SMILE at their positions!!!!
THANK YOU for your LOVELY COMMENT!
XX
m.j.s. says
Must be why the Olive Garden fills people up on breadsticks, because the food is more than enough. I always ask for the bread at the end and I definitely get the soup first, forget the salad in my opinion is most dreadful..just a thought..I grew up knowing and loving Italian people from Scilily the mother Martha lived to 98 and the husband Frank lived to 79 respectively that lady could cook like no other, we dined in her tiny kitchen all the time, they were kind and loving never did I see the Parmesano Reggiano placed on the table a smear here and there was it, never with Fish and the Feast at Christmas well one could eat for days, they had a room in their basement for meats, cheeses and homemade wine, Mangia happy sweethearts day!
LA CONTESSA says
I LOVED THIS!
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
XX
Cindy says
I am catching up love all those tips. I hope one day to enjoy pasta at your table!!